The military high command has declared total war on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the killing of five soldiers in the Southeastern part of the country.
The soldiers were attacked while enforcing a sit-at-home order, and vehicles and tricycles were also set ablaze by the rampaging IPOB terrorists.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, condemned the attack, saying, “It is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat. Troops of OPERATION UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ ESN.
” The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint. The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action. The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack. Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.”
The military has vowed to clamp down on IPOB members and bring them to justice. South East governors and other stakeholders have also condemned the attack, urging the military to bring the perpetrators to book.
As the military prepares to launch a full-scale operation against IPOB, Major-General Buba warned that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people, and winning the war without the support of the people is almost impossible. He appealed to the public to support the military in its efforts to defeat the terrorists and restore peace to the region.
